Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, the House prosecution panel’s lead prosecutor, described the opening of the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as a milestone for constitutional accountability, saying it reflects the proper implementation of the country’s democratic processes.
Speaking after the trial’s first hearing on Monday, Luistro commended the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, for carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
“Finally, in our impeachment trial, we would like to express our commendation, of course, to the impeachment court for responding to the mandate of the Constitution,” Luistro stated during a press briefing. “This is a win for the Filipino people because the accountability mechanism is happening, the (1987) Constitution is being followed.”
The opening session included the presentation of initial arguments by both the prosecution and the defense, along with the resolution of several pretrial matters.
Luistro said the trial will move into the presentation of evidence on Tuesday, with the House prosecution expected to begin by tackling Article IV of the impeachment complaint. The article concerns allegations that Vice President Duterte made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
To support the prosecution’s case, the impeachment court has approved the issuance of subpoenas for NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc and Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who are expected to testify during the proceedings.